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Senate adopts environment and natural resources package after dozens of amendment votes
Summary
Senate File 3, an environment and natural resources appropriations and policy package, was adopted 38–29 after floor amendments and debate over permitting reform, trust fund grants and agency budgets.
The Minnesota Senate approved Senate File 3, an environment and natural resources omnibus bill that includes appropriations to agencies, LCCMR recommendations, trust fund community grants and permitting reforms.
Chief author Senator Hur said the bill is a bipartisan compromise negotiated with House conferees, agencies and environmental groups and includes items ranging from abandoned watercraft provisions to funding for White Bear Lake water management. “This bill...is a true compromise bill,” Hur told the floor, listing funding for MPCA, DNR, BWSR, the Minnesota Zoo and other agencies and noting policy articles on permitting reform and DNR lands.
Floor action included multiple roll calls on sponsor amendments. Senators debated amendments on issues including carp transport rules, purple paint posting authority and youth hunting preference points; floor votes failed to adopt several amendments after roll calls recorded close divisions. Senator Greene and others criticized the process and a perceived lack of access to working-group negotiations. Senator Hatchchild defended permitting reform as a bipartisan compromise crafted with stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce and building trades.
After debate and amendment votes, the Senate recorded final passage of the bill by a roll call of 38 ayes and 29 noes. Sponsors said the bill funds agency operations, LCCMR recommendations and trust-fund projects and directs permitting reforms and other policy work.
